MAGNETIC SHIELDING SOLUTIONS
Mu-Metal Shielding Cans for Low-Frequency Magnetic Shielding
Custom Mu-metal shielding cans, covers and enclosures for sensitive electronics exposed to low-frequency magnetic interference. From prototype validation to production-ready manufacturing.
What Is Mu-Metal?
Mu-metal is a soft magnetic nickel-iron alloy known for very high magnetic permeability. It provides a low-reluctance path that redirects magnetic flux around sensitive electronic components.
It is especially useful against low-frequency magnetic interference from transformers, motors, magnets, inductors, speakers, power supplies and high-current conductors.
Why Use Mu-Metal for Shielding Cans?
Conventional PCB shielding cans made from nickel silver, tinplate or other conductive metals are widely used for RF and high-frequency EMI control. Low-frequency magnetic fields are a different engineering problem.
Mu-metal is selected when the goal is to redirect magnetic flux away from sensitive components. Typical benefits include high magnetic permeability, compact magnetic shielding and protection of sensitive sensors.
Mu-Metal vs Conventional EMI Shielding Materials
There is no single best shielding material for every frequency range. Selection depends on the interference source, frequency, field strength, geometry and assembly requirements.
| Material | Main Strength | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Mu-Metal | Very high magnetic permeability | Low-frequency magnetic shielding |
| Nickel Silver | Conductivity and solderability | PCB EMI / RF shielding |
| Tinplate / SPTE | Cost-effective conductive shielding | General PCB shielding cans |
| Stainless Steel | Strength and corrosion resistance | Structural covers |
Where Are Mu-Metal Shielding Cans Used?
- Magnetic sensors: magnetometers and Hall sensors.
- Medical electronics: sensitive circuits near magnetic sources.
- Precision instruments: laboratory and measurement equipment.
- Power electronics: circuits near transformers and inductors.
- Audio electronics: applications sensitive to magnetic coupling.
Custom Mu-Metal Shielding Can Design
Magnetic shielding performance depends on more than material selection. Engineers should consider shield coverage, openings and gaps, geometry, material thickness, field orientation and forming stress.
Large openings or poorly positioned seams may reduce performance, while severe forming can affect the magnetic properties of high-permeability alloys.
Why Forming and Heat Treatment Matter
Stamping, bending, deep drawing, cutting and welding can introduce mechanical stresses into Mu-metal and reduce its magnetic permeability. For demanding magnetic shielding applications, post-forming magnetic annealing may therefore be required.
The heat-treatment specification should follow the selected alloy grade, material supplier recommendations and required magnetic performance.
Manufacturing Custom Mu-Metal Shielding Cans
Depending on design complexity and production quantity, manufacturing routes can include prototype fabrication, laser cutting and bending, stamping and forming, deep-drawn structure evaluation, and dedicated production tooling.
Prototype samples allow engineers to verify dimensions, assembly fit, shield coverage and magnetic performance before committing to production tooling.
How to Validate a Mu-Metal Shielding Prototype
Dimensional inspection alone is not enough. Mechanical validation should check dimensions, fit, clearance, openings, seams and mounting features. Magnetic validation should compare the field with and without the shield under representative application conditions.
Mu-Metal Shielding Is Not the Same as RF Shielding
A standard PCB shielding can is often designed primarily for RF electromagnetic interference. Mu-metal is generally selected when the problem involves lower-frequency magnetic fields.
In some applications, a high-permeability magnetic layer can be combined with a conductive shielding layer to address a broader interference range.
What to Send for a Mu-Metal Shielding Project
- 2D drawing and 3D STEP file
- Mu-metal grade or material specification
- Material thickness
- Application and magnetic interference source
- Approximate frequency range and field conditions, if known
- Prototype and estimated production quantities
- Heat-treatment requirements, if specified
How Hexin Can Support Your Project
Hexin supports custom Mu-metal shielding cans, covers and enclosures from early design review through prototype validation and production planning.
Manufacturing routes can include laser cutting, stamping, forming, deep-drawn structure evaluation, custom tooling, low-volume production and mass production.
Need a Custom Mu-Metal Shielding Can?
Send us your 2D drawing, STEP file, material requirements and application information. We can review the structure and help determine a suitable manufacturing route for your magnetic shielding project.